Determine the Percentage of Accidents are caused by Teenage Drivers
It’s difficult to determine the percentage of accidents are caused by teenage drivers, as many crashes go unreported, among other conflating factors. However, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), teenage motor vehicle crash deaths made up seven percent of all traffic accident fatalities in 2020.
Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dictates that 2800 teenagers lost their lives and 227,000 suffered injuries. Distracted driving, inexperience, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol have all contributed to these fatal accidents.
Factors Contributing to Car Accidents Caused by Teen Drivers
Teen drivers are at the highest risk of car accidents, especially fatal car accidents, than all the other age groups. Teenage males, teens who drive with other young people in the vehicle, and newly licensed teen drivers face an especially high risk of car accidents.
But what factors make teens so vulnerable to deadly crashes?
- Distracted driving: Nearly 40% of high school drivers admitted to texting or emailing while behind the wheel.
- Speeding: Teen drivers are more likely to speed and allow shorter distances between cars than older drivers.
- Inexperience: Teenagers may not recognize dangerous road conditions as quickly as older drivers, and by the time they do, they react too late.
- Impaired driving: Nearly one-third of teen drivers who were killed in a car accident had been drinking. Following alcohol, marijuana is the most used substance when driving.
- Driving on the weekends and at night: In 2020, almost half the crash deaths among teens happened between 9pm and 6am and on the weekend.
- Not wearing a seatbelt: Of all the teens who died in car accidents in 2020, 56% weren’t wearing a seatbelt.
Enforcing stricter seatbelt laws, abstaining from drinking, and having parents inform their children about the potential road dangers can all work to reduce the number of fatal accident deaths among teens and, ultimately, all road users.
Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents Caused by Teenage Drivers
Those involved in a car accident caused by teen drivers can suffer various forms of injury, such as:
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Crushing injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Fractures or broken bones
- Shoulder, neck, and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
- Cuts and bruises
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
If you were in a car accident involving a teenage driver, seek medical attention as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the longer your injuries have to cause more damage. A doctor can diagnose your injuries and begin treating you right away to keep them from worsening.
In addition, getting prompt medical attention helps support your case for compensation. That way, the insurance company has less of a reason to dispute or deny your claim. On the other hand, the more you delay, the more likely the insurer will try to blame you or something else for your injuries.
Types of Damages You Can Seek in a Teen Car Accident Case
If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident involving a teen driver, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages for your injuries and losses, such as:
- Medical expenses: If you needed ambulance transportation, medications, mobility aids, diagnostic exams, hospital stays, surgeries, or follow-up care
- Lost income: If you couldn’t go to work because of your injuries and treatment
- Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries keep you from going back to work long term or altogether
- Pain and Suffering: If your injuries have caused you discomfort or chronic pain
- Mental anguish: If the event of the car accident took a toll on your emotional and mental health
- Property damage expenses: If your vehicle needs repair or replacement
If your loved one succumbed to their injuries from a car accident, you and your family could benefit from wrongful death action. Common forms of damages in these cases include loss of income or financial support, funeral and burial costs, final medical expenses, and loss of household services, care, or consortium.
You may qualify to recover other losses not listed here. A Fort Myers car accident attorney can go over your case and identify all the damages you can request from the liable party.
Have a Lawyer Help You If You Were Hurt in a Car Accident Caused by a Teenage Driver
We want to help you get back on your feet if you were hurt in a car accident caused by a teen driver. During a free consultation, one of our team members at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can review your case and determine if you qualify for compensation. Should we decide to work together, our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney can gather evidence, name the liable party, and build a robust case for compensation. Call us today at (954) 633-8270.
